The pantry decrapification

January 26, 2010

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Last year I organized our small pantry with glass and plastic containers. 

Well, a year later, I still don’t have the new door with seedy glass and a light installed inside making it glow and the angels sing and all that…but it is clean and organized again.

Just like with everything else in our house, it stays fairly together till the holidays hit…and then it all goes to you-know-where. The pantry included:

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Good God. Help. Bubbles? Check. Half eaten donut? Check. Christmas choo choo gingerbread kit? Check.

People, I couldn’t see where the Doritos were. This was serious.

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Today, when I went to find the mac and cheese for our lunch and it took five minutes to find the box, I decided it had to end, STAT.

I cleared the farm animals and Christmas decor off the table:

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(Anyone still finding pieces of Christmas everywhere?!)

I poured myself a glass of cold Pepsi:

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Shrek glass please, no ice.

And I went to work. Because everything was still on it’s “home” shelf (they are split up into baking goods, lunch/dinner, breakfast/other, snacks and extras) I just pulled off every single item from each shelf and worked on one at a time.

The fab large glass containers hold baking goods and drink mixes:

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I also have smaller glass containers for sugar, chocolate chips, marshmallows, etc.

All crackers and cookies fit into the dollar containers from the same store:018

I also use these containers for lunch and breakfast items that come individually wrapped. This creates SO much more space – boxes and bags take up a ton of space in the pantry, in my opinion. And it’s so easy for the little guy to grab a container when he wants a snack.

I use the tiered jobbers from Target for all the canned goods:

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The bottom shelf is only for extra items. When it’s not organized, I buy more of what we already have. Hence the ten cans of cream of mushroom soup. (Tuna noodle casserole tonight baby!):

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I have to tell you, taking these pictures hit me hard for a minute – how fortunate are we to have a pantry full of food? Seriously, it is a bit humbling to get it organized and to see how much we have.

I hang things inside closets often – there is usually so much unused space! The broom, plastic bag holder, etc., all hangs up out of the way:

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We can close the door again!! Whoohoo!!

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And you can see the floor! Awww yeah. A blissful, organized space for FAREEEE!

Guess what we’re making tonight?:

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Yes, yes we are.

Can you find the mac and cheese in your pantry? :)

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Comments

  1. ~WOW!!!! YES! This is super cool looking Sarah. GREAT job!

    Tuna casserole sounds yummy and comforting in this cold weather.
    We are blessed to have food aren't we? *Smiles*

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  2. I saw your post title and almost died laughing...decrapification....I LOVE IT! I just decrapified my pantry the other day...yours look fabulous!

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  3. *sigh* Yet another post reminding me that I need to decrapify my disgustingly unorganized pantry. It really was the holidays that trashed it.

    Beautifully organized pantry!!!!

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  4. This does seem to be the time of year for general kitchen and pantry re-organization, doesn't it? I agree that everything falls apart during the holidays!

    I am waiting for the tins to arrive that will allow me to totally re-vamp my spice storage system. And I have no doubt the angels will sing when it's done!

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  5. Looks great! Love the organization! :) Have fun tonight!!

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  6. Great post - I just did this yesterday as well, and I should probably blog it! Yes, it is humbling. We're finding January to be one of those months where the month is longer than the money. I didn't want to grocery shop this week unless I ABSOLUTELY have to, and you know... aside from a couple litres of milk I don't think I'll have to!

    Tuna noodle casserole here tonight, too. Funny how that works.

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  7. I am so impressed!! You had me until Pepsi ~spits~

    I use glass jars in my pantry and have never thought about turning them on their sides for more room. Brilliant!

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  8. I have those same Shrek glasses from Mickey D's and I hate when the kids use them! When I put them in the dishwater the water stays pooled on them! Hate that.

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  9. I have 3 kids and a husband, and less in the pantry than you! I guess we gobble it all up too fast. Love the way you covered the open shelves so little things like cereal bars don't slip through! I'm gonna try that. Thanks for the constant inspiration!

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  10. Thank you so much for admitting that the creator of the organized pantry last year, had gathered enough mess that it needed to be redone. I just figured I was the only one who had to keep re-doing thing every now and then. It honestly looks awesome. I am giddy after I clean out my pantry. I always drag the hubs in to admire my work, and he inevitably always says, "Huh, I didn't even know it needed to be cleaned." Oh well, it makes me smile. It's the little things, aint it?

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  11. ur so funny! i love the way you describe stuff and your words crack me up! you also blog about stuff that alot of us are afraid to face!

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  12. So funny! I just cleaned my after the cable man to fix the (you guessed it ) the cable. It really does make you feel better. AH the small things in life ( or not os small)
    smiles, alice

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  13. ha-ha-ha okay I cant resist asking I want a new shot in ONE MONTH ., I always start out good but my pantry seems to be the one place I toss things, close the door and phew everything looks great.. just do.not.open.those.doors! Oh and I dont know if you remember me writing you about the fabric to cover the glass (dining room centerpiece) my 5th Hob Lob had it.. so today I am the proud owner. NOW to find a mirror I can't seem to find one that is not waaaaay to wide but I am determined!

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  14. Ahhh! I can breathe easier just looking at the after picture.

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  15. Oh my, your decrapification went beautifully! I've been de-c'ing a little in my own home too! Feels SO good. Great job!!

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  16. Mine looks like the before! Great job

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  17. Looks lovely! I love the polka dot shelf liner! I need some of that like right now! Though some of us are not fortunate enough to have a pantry, tear. Maybe someday!

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  18. Looks great! I have the oddest shaped pantry ever, but it needs to be reorganized because I have to hang onto the door to reach the stuff in the back! Crazy.

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  19. There you go again girl, making the rest of us look bad. Now I gotta get mine organized so I can find the mac n'cheese and the pnut butter!
    Great orgainization and good luck with the gingerbread house.

    Sissie

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  20. Looks wonderful !! I know you feel better having organized it to perfection !! I did the same to mine right after Christmas ... ah, relief !!

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  21. Those Shrek glasses seriously rock!

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  22. Great job on organizing it all. I need to get me some of those plastic holders for cereal, crackers, oatmeals and such. Great idea.

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  23. Wow, I learned a new word today. I'm curious how I'll use it...
    Janell

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  24. decrapification...perfect word for the panrty!
    looks like a magazine now! nice!

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  25. Looks great, Sarah! I was so proud of myself last month when I labeled the glass storage jars I bought last year. We couldn't figure out which was flour and which was corn meal. Turns out I had two jars with flour, but I whipped out the Brother label maker and labeled them! I like the idea of smaller containers for chocolate chips and things like that. I'll have to look for them next trip to the dollar store.

    I try to keep our pantry cabinet organized {we keep extra stuff when there is a great sale on shelves in the garage}, but I did have to open up that can of Cream Cheese frosting and dip my gluten free almond chocolate chip cookies in it! No matter what, it just kept getting in the way! ; )

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  26. Wonderful decrapification job! I decrapified my pantry a couple weeks ago when my hubby was out of town. I wonder what room I'll decrapify next when he's gone again?

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  27. Fabulous effort!!! Same stuff, organised makes such a huge difference!! I really need to do mine too... It's scary!!

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  28. I think Del Monte, Hunts, and Doritos should pay you for advertising. I swear you'll get your straw thingy back soon. Sorry I stole it. Love you!

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  29. LOVE how organized this is.....can you tell me where you got the glass jars that hold your flour, b sugar, etc...and also....would love to know where you got the mini chalkboards to list what's on each shelf. I have so wanted to get all unified glass jars to put all that pantry stuff in. I actually plan on painting a square of chalkboard paint onto the jar for labeling purposes!!! LOVE IT!!!

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  30. We are certainly on the same wavelength! I have also just finished ripping up my carpeted stairs and painting. They look so cool! Today my DH and are making our "closet pantry" into an open-pantry concept (ambitious given my "uneven" record of keeping my pantry neat!). We removed our wire shelving and built "u" shaped shelves. I will be storing all our items in baskets and glass jars. So fun!

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  31. I have the same kind of pantry. The boxes falling off the shelves and losing the mac-n-cheese is a common thing in my house too. :( Great ideas and I hope to try them out (decrapify) at our house too!

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  32. man. my pantry is disgusting. i keep standing there hoping that the zatarains will jump out at me so i don't have to dig thru the stale chips and open boxes of cereal to find it so i can cook dinner. want to come to Florida in the winter? I'll fly you here, throw in a beach trip if you will come decrapify MY house.

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  33. oh I love this. I just did this to my tupperware cabinet. It feels so so good!

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  34. no little ones at home so mac n' found here!

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  35. How absolutely cool! I would open the door all the time just to look. ;) Organization feels amazing once its done. And you did a fabulous job....love your fun writing style too.

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  36. Ah, convicted! No half eaten donuts, but I do believe my pantry is begging for a fresh look. An organized one!! Thanks for this!

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  37. You crack me up! You couldn't see where the Doritos were. Hahaha, that's me in my house with Cheez-its. It looks great! Very ambitious to tackle that.

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  38. Tessa@ My Pearfect LifeJanuary 26, 2010 at 9:00 PM

    I don't know how you stay so organized, you are definetly an insperation.

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  39. I have to laugh b/c just today I pulled out some mac & cheese from a deep, dark corner of the pantry and was like, "Where did this come from, I didn't know I had any of this left."
    I love organizing! :D Thanks for sharing.

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  40. Sarah,
    First of all, I just have to say once again that I love your posts and the way you write. You make me laugh out loud! Seriously, ask my husband. I keep trying to tell him about your decrapification during the UK basketball game and he isn't liking it a bit. :)
    My pantry looks exactly like your "before", and I need to work on it. Thanks for the inspiration.
    BTW, I am going to Blissdom! I hope I get to bump into you and say "Hi".
    Blessings,
    Traci

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  41. Your old pantry is looking exactly like mine right now. I need to get started. Its been awhile!

    Sarah

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  42. So funny....last time you did a decrapification post, I stole your word and did a post about removing the crap from my laundry/storage room.
    http://thebillhimeclan.blogspot.com/2010/01/decrapification.html
    My original intention was to organize the pantry that day, but since extra pantry items go in the laundry room I ended up cleaning that room first. Still haven't gotten to the pantry! Yours looks great now. I need to get me some jars and a labeler!

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  43. There's nothing better than getting a closet or pantry all nice and neat and organized. Great job!

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  44. We don’t have a pantry in this place but I’m so with you, it drives me bonkers when things aren’t organized.

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  45. I have to get me some of those tierred can thingys!!

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  46. My last house had a pantry like yours, wire shelves in a closet. Now, I don't have a pantry. I put one of those wire things on the back of my laundry room door that just hold one can deep. I'll take what I can get. I can't buy a large quantity, but I can stock up a little bit. I also put something on the wire like you did.

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  47. Can I just squeal with delight over not being alone in this "love it pretty and organized, though it may be quickly disheveled" state of Mommyhood! {sigh} :)

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  48. A VERY similar project calls to me in MY home.. In fact from the looks of your photos, it looks nearly EXACT! I am feeling better (0; that there is HOPE for my little pantry here! ~tina

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  49. *crying* I don't have a pantry!!! :( Yours looks great. My cupboards are usually pretty organized though. While I may not have a pantry, I do feel fortunate that we have enough to eat everyday. Thanks for that reminder.

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  50. Looks great! I've been searching for glass containers for all my supplies. I hope to be as organized as you someday!

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  51. I think there is something peaceful about knowing that your pantry is organized. I don't know why, but knowing that you can go to the pantry and know where something is, it is just refreshing.

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  52. Looks great! I need to do this to my pantry...and my basement, office, closets, garage. Looking at your decrapification projects gives me inspiration! Thank you :)

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  53. "Decrapification" has just become my buzz-word for the year! Crack me up!

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  54. You sound like me. Going to make Valentine's sugar cookies, since we never made Christmas ones. So funny with the "jobbers"! If you're bored, feel free to come to the East Coast and do mine. LOL!

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  55. Sigh, I want YOUR life. Or maybe I just want your pantry. Mine is bad. Real bad.

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  56. Oh mercy, you are going to die but I had to set up an overflow pantry in my laundry room, where I can easily grab a box of mac 'n cheese from the half of a case I have left. It's the dozen or more opened sleeves of crackers and who knows what else in my corner cupboard is killing me though.

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  57. Man, is mine in the same beginnning shape! I love your shelf boards and am going back to the original to figure out what you did - the liner I chose isn't working as well as I thought it would. Who decided those racks were a good thing in a pantry?!? Thanx for the inspiration. Hopefully I can get mine done this month! Great job, as ever!

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  58. Your pantry put a smile on my face. Mine looks the same way and I LOVE to be organzied. The house just runs better when you have a place for everything. Good job!

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  59. I just reorganized our crafting cupboard....few I`m glad this is done ! My next step on the list is the pantry so thank you for those inspiring post!

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  60. So jealous! I love organized spaces with nifty plastic containers! Way to go on maximizing your space once again this year. I was inspired from last year's post to organize my cluttered pantry. I think it is time for me to do it again...

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  61. I love the feeling you get after accomplishing some thing like that. I had to re-arrange the living room a few days ago, and I have to say that the feeling of completion and accomplishment is one of a kind. I'm so happy to see motivated people such as yourself - it's very inspiring for the rest of us!

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  62. Ok, Can I just say that I absolutely LOVE your blog! :) I'm so glad that I stumbled across it this morning! Wow! I can't wait to read more when I have a little more time! You have already given me some fabulous ideas and I can't wait to get started! Love your blog! It's so fun and creative! You've got yourself a new follower! Have a blessed day! :)

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  63. Good to know I'm not the only one who's neatly organied pantry gets cluttered up. I gotta do some decrapifying (man i love that word!)around here too! Thanks for the inspiration!

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  64. You are so funny! I just love your blog! thank you

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  65. Totally have those same glass canisters! Love them! Good Job and thanks for the motivation deary!

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  66. Totally have those same glass canisters! Love them! Good Job and thanks for the motivation deary!

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  67. Totally have those same glass canisters! Love them! Good Job and thanks for the motivation deary!

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  68. I recently reorganized my pantry as well-it wasn't that long since there's only two of us.

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  69. It looks beautiful to me! Is it okay for me to think a pantry is beautiful?? B/c the formerly uber-organized girl inside me just loves it!!

    I have a whole slew of stuff I need to go through. I LOVE the little stair step thingie you have your cans on. Very cool!

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  70. I loooove those glass containers. I have them too...they remind me of my grandma's house (in a GOOD way!) Way to organize! That's my New Year's goal (of course.)

    :0)

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  71. Looks great!! I am a stickler for both my pantries (yes, I have more than one) and frig to be clean and organized. I have made it a habit to clean both "before" each shopping trip (usually once a week). That way it never gets overwhelming and I know what I have and what I need to purchase. This system has worked well for me over the years.

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  72. I most definately need to do this to my pantry as well. I has been on the slate for this weekend. Now to just find a few more containers to hold everything. Thanks for the inspiration!

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  73. NICE!!! For those of us who weren't paying attention, can you tell me where to get the cool glass canisters?

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  74. Bless your heart for showing your pantry! I swear every time I do some big shopping trips I re organize it and I'm still not satisfied! I need to get more plastic containers!! My poor baking section is in shambles right now due to holiday cookies!

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  75. I love this! You've inspired me to get to work on my pantry! I never thought about taking prewrapped items out of their boxes. We have a lot of cereal bars and such and you're right - the boxes take up a ton of room!

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  76. I LOVE IT!!! My hubby always thinks its crazy about how AWESOME and GIDDY I get after getting cleaned out and organized..I had to show him this blog post to prove I am not the only one in hopes he would not think I am so crazy anymore..well he said "now I think you are even crazier because you read blogs about other moms who get all turned on by organizing their pantry" LOL

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  77. My bubble is officially burst/broken/splattered/KAfreakinPUT. All this time I thought we were kindred spirits in a odd sort of way. But really?? "Pepsi--no ice!!!!" WhAt ThE. . . gulp, gulp, gulp....I almost can't breathe! Sarah (pleading voice)/TDC---you really mUST come over to the other side. Quit damaging yourself...... Diet Coke. lots and lots of STORE BOUGHT washed/lightly rinsed IcE. with a lovely wedge of lime in a sweat free bar tumbler. . .now THAT's a beverage to organize on!!

    Keep up the awesome work sista!

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  78. Organizing like this makes me happy...a sickness I think. Whenever I complete a project, I find myself going back ever so often to open the door and stare at it for a bit. Great job!

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  79. Lets de-crapify
    from down low to up on high
    Lets de-crapify
    and keep on going
    Changing the atmosphere
    making our purpose clear
    Lets go de-crapify!

    To the tune of "Lets go Fly a Kite" from Mary Poppins.

    Kathy

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  80. There is nothing better than a cleaned, and organized space. It makes you feel like you can take on the world (one pantry at a time, of course.)!

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  81. Looks awesome! I wish I could figure out a better way to organize our little teeny tiny space we have for a kitchen. Great job!

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  82. I'm glad you showed the before pictures! It's nice to know you're normal. ;-) I have open shelves and I have the same glass jars. I'll have to look for some of those $1 containers.

    -FringeGirl

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  83. I have pantry envy.

    I sooooo want a pantry.

    Isn't it strange how after the holidays we all have to reorganize .... I have also tidied up my food shelves and baking cupboard. still need to do the cupboard with all the plastic containers, tupperware and baking pans ... they get so messy.

    Maybe this weekend.

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  84. Hey those containers look like Anchor Hocking to me...that is where my hubby works! I have some too and LOVE them.

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  85. LOL! That is horrible! You put my pantry to shame with all that food! LOL :)

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  86. Love your pantry! Love the chalkboard labels... Beautiful! I would love to see our pantry floor but, alas, I have bins of art supplies in there. Someday I will find an attractive way to house those - out of the pantry!

    Thanks for sharing!!
    (p.s. I just found a Halloween children's book tonight!)

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  87. I recently just organized our pantry too. I love how having that area of my house cleaned up makes me feel so much more calm! Thanks for sharing!! (Maria)

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  88. I don't have a pantry (but my mom does and I'm so jealous!). I've been organizing my kitchen for the last few weeks. I work a couple hours at a time when I get the chance. My food cabinets are nice and orderly now. Yes, I can find the mac & cheese! It's on the shelf with pastas and rice!

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  89. Looking good! I just did this all last weekend. I went a little crazy and even vacuumed and organized the electrical closet by "categories" using bins. It's such a refreshing sigh of relief.

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  90. inspiring....might just get me to actually go peek in my pantry and organize it.

    Maybe.

    and the Mac-n-cheese? It's in the bag of elbow noodles, shredded cheddar cheese in the frige, milk, butter, cornstarch, pepper, and mustard seasoning. ;) My kids? They are spoiled.

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  91. What perfect timing! I had looked at my pantry in disgust last week before we got hit w/the stomach bug and its been on my to-tackle list ever since. I read this in the morning and was inspired to do mine NOW. (Well, after a trip to WM for more decrapifying supplies!) I have one shelf left to finish b/c I actually have two pantry cupboards, but I am so pleased. I got some great stacking bins and I also picked up some Rubbermaid canisters similar to the ones you have shown here ($1.88) I think I am going to use them for the snacks I buy regularly, like Ritz Bitz, so then I will be able to easily see when I need to restock!

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  92. Pantry looks great, and your comment about being humbled about having a pantry full of food... I honestly thought the same thing today when I got home from the grocery store. Our pantry was already pretty "full", and I proceeded to fill it up even more. Just makes you think sometimes...again, super job!

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  93. I love your chalkboard labels. You are my OCD hero!

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  94. Wow!! THAT is an organized pantry! Great job :)

    Love the Shrek glass! I have one from McDonalds and it is my favorite cup!

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  95. WOW! My pantry looks like your before picture. I am inspired! Thanks!

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  96. looks great! Do I spy a bottle of Yellow Tail Shiraz in that before photo? hmmmmm

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  97. Paula Jo @ home garden accentsJanuary 29, 2010 at 1:06 PM

    Wow! How do pantry's get so messed up so fast. I organize mine and before long after several people go into it, then it's terrible. I like the look of yours. You done a super job. I straightened up mine right before the holidays and still is okay. You gave me some great ideas. Do you make house calls? LOL

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  98. Our new pantry is less than half the size of the old one and I am having a hard time getting it organized. Thanks for the push!

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  99. The after pic looks great! We don't have a pantry, so we just put food in any cabinets where the boxes / food items will fit.

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  100. Wow that looks great! You've just inspired me-again.As soon as we come back from our vacation I'm putting the kids to work ;)

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  101. I JUST stumbled on your site last week and it inspired me to clean up my pantry! Thank you for the tips!

    :D

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  102. Oh, Sarah! I have been stalking you for months... lol Actually, you are the first decorating blog I ever found. I didn't know that such treasures existed. I am in heaven! I wanted to let you know that I linked my pantry post to yours today. Thank you for the inspiration!

    Nicole @
    http://blessingsandbling.blogspot.com/

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  103. I just have to tell you.....I just found your blog, LOVE IT! And I too, have just started the nauseating process of DECRAPIFYING my teeeeeeeeeny tiny little pantry. I love the Decrapification title by the way....I laughed out loud. Thanks for the inspiration and the gusto to keep truckin' along!

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  104. I was just about to tackle my pantry. I have the same shelves as you and was thinking I needed to rip them out and put in sturdy wood shelves ( I hate white wire shelves). But I noticed in your photo, it looks like you put something over the shelf. Did you put wood over it? I'd love to know what you did, it looks great and functional too!

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  105. Good morning, Sarah. I just read your newest pantry post and noticed a link to an old pantry post, this one. It was funny to read you saying this post was done almost one year after you had done a revamp of your pantry. You definitely must have some sort of inner "organized the pantry" clock, because you did it again around the same time of year. Lol!! I can't wait to see what you've done this time. : )

    ~ Catie

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